YouSaid · the spoken record

Lee

lines on the record: 254
first: 1998-06-06
most recent: 2013-02-12
sittings or episodes: 34
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“At a recent informal meeting of countries contributing troops to UNTAET, some of us heard about how the peacekeeping force is helping to provide internal security in East Timor in cooperation with the civilian police component. It is certainly true that a strong and visible peacekeeping presence plays an important pre-emptive and preventive role in maintaining stability in the territory. In addition, we believe that a stable and secure environment is essential to improve the investment climate in East Timor. By sending positive signals to international investors, we would be helping to bolster the economic development of East Timor, thus contributing to its long-term viability, which would eventually reduce its dependence on international assistance.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“Indeed, much of what UNTAET has achieved would not have been possible without the resources and political support provided by the United Nations and the international community. The exit of the United Nations should be neither precipitate nor based on unrealistic time-frames. Instead, it should be predicated on key objectives or benchmarks relating to what we hope to achieve in East Timor, all of which must contribute to laying a firm foundation for a stable and viable independent East Timor. In this regard, we look forward to the July report of the Secretary-General that will deal with this issue. Until then, the continuing militia and refugee problem, and the domestic violence, which might heighten in the lead-up to the elections, clearly show the need for a continued strong United Nations peacekeeping presence in East Timor.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“As the United Nations begins the process of thinking through its future role in East Timor, it is crucial that we bear in mind the broader political context and security implications that East Timor has for the region. East Timor's future is intimately and inextricably intertwined with that of Indonesia, its closest neighbour. Both countries are undergoing painful transitions and adjustments, and how they eventually fare will have an important and far-reaching bearing on the region. Special care must be taken to support - not jeopardize - the development of sound and lasting democratic institutions in both countries. We strongly believe that the United Nations and the international community have an important responsibility and obligation to remain engaged in East Timor to help maintain peace as well as rehabilitate the country.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“A tolerant and cohesive East Timorese society and a reinvigorated East Timorese national identity would also encourage the much- needed East Timorese diaspora to return to East Timor and contribute to its independence efforts. Singapore completely agrees with the Secretary- General's conclusion, in paragraph 33 of the report (S/2001/436), favouring "a prudent approach, which seeks to safeguard the international community's considerable investment in East Timor's future." A stable and lasting foundation for East Timor cannot be built overnight. UNTAET, with the support of the international community, has made significant progress in important areas in East Timor. We should concentrate our efforts on consolidating and advancing the gains made by UNTAET and focus on helping East Timor to safely set sail on its own.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“More importantly, their vision for the future of East Timor will be instrumental in shaping Security Council deliberations on the post-independence phase, providing a valuable input for the next report, on which the integrated mission task force for East Timor at United Nations Headquarters and the working group in Dili are no doubt working hard. The people of East Timor must now harness the determination that carried them through the long years of struggle as they make the transition to independence. They must now apply their stamina to the long-term goal of making East Timor a viable and sustainable country. Rowing a small boat in rough seas requires unity of purpose and direction and the collective strength and determination of each and every East Timorese. Reconciliation among all East Timorese is therefore important.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“We thank Mr. He'di Annabi for introducing the interim report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which Singapore fully supports. His further updates on the situation in East Timor were also very helpful. We warmly welcome Mr. Xanana Gusmao to the Security Council, and we are also pleased to see Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta in this Chamber again. Having tasked UNTAET with progressively delegating further authority to the East Timorese people, it is appropriate that the Security Council increasingly hears directly from East Timorese leaders as a clear demonstration of the Council's commitment to the Timorization efforts. Their appraisal of how UNTAET is performing will be an important reality check on whether the United Nations is moving on the right track.”
2001-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4321 (2001) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating my delegation's hope that the Security Council will continue to expand its involvement in the protection of civilians in conflict situations. In particular, we hope that special attention will be given to the protection of women, children and other vulnerable groups in armed conflict. We also advocate the adoption of specific measures for the protection of United Nations and humanitarian personnel. Our efforts to protect civilians in conflict areas will be futile unless United Nations and humanitarian personnel are granted safe access to these areas. The Republic of Korea will continue to be actively involved in this process, and I hope that many of the measures we have discussed today will be promptly and successfully implemented.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“There is a growing awareness that peacekeeping alone cannot solve all of the problems associated with conflict situations and that social and economic development may help nations avert conflict. Entities such as the Economic and Social Council address the root causes of conflict, which are often poverty-related, through the promotion of economic growth, poverty eradication, sustainable development, good governance and democracy. It is my hope that closer coordination among the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other United Nations organs, such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, will enable us to better address the multifaceted challenges of civilian protection in armed conflict.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Regional organizations are often well informed about the local context of conflicts, and can therefore play a vital role in the protection of local civilian populations. We are therefore pleased to note that the fourth high-level meeting between the United Nations and regional organizations, held in February, laid the groundwork for adopting a framework for enhanced cooperation in peace-building. Finally, my delegation also advocates greater coordination and consultation among the Security Council, the General Assembly and other United Nations organs. In particular, we welcome the role that the Economic and Social Council can play in civilian protection, and we look forward to the meeting between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council on the 27th of this month.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Thirdly, I wish to emphasize that separating civilians from armed elements is crucial, not just for the safety of the individuals in the affected areas, but for the security and stability of the region as a whole. The mass movement of people from conflict areas to neighbouring States can destabilize entire regions and internationalize a conflict that was once local in nature. While bearing in mind that the primary responsibility for protection lies with the affected States, I would like to reaffirm the responsibility of Member States to protect and assist refugees and internally displaced persons when their home countries are unable or unwilling to do so. Fourthly, we welcome the development of effective partnerships between the Security Council and non-governmental organizations, civil society and regional organizations.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda represent a step in the right direction. Secondly, we believe that the idea of smart sanctions merits further elaboration. We recognize the challenges inherent in the development of targeted sanctions and emphasize that they must be tailored to particular regimes and have clear goals. Most importantly, any discussion of sanctions must include a thorough review of their humanitarian implications. In this regard, we strongly support the recommendation made by the Secretary-General in last year's report to establish a permanent technical review mechanism to ascertain the potential impact of sanctions on civilians.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We must also develop long-term preventive strategies to foster international peace and security. Allow me to comment on a few of the issues to which my delegation attaches particular importance. First, the Secretary-General has rightly noted that international standards of protection can be upheld only if they are given the force of the law. For this reason, the Republic of Korea strongly advocates prosecuting violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and opposes granting amnesty to those who commit crimes against humanity. My delegation has been actively involved in United Nations efforts towards this end and supports the further development of legal instruments for the protection of civilians in conflict areas.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“However, as the Secretary-General has noted, the challenge remains to translate good intentions and recommendations into concrete action. It is our hope that this debate will generate further discussion on specific modes of action for protecting civilians and provide the impetus to carry out the recommendations outlined in the Secretary-General's report. My delegation shares the Secretary-General's vision of a culture of protection in which Member States and armed groups adhere to the recognized rules of international humanitarian and human rights law and commit themselves unequivocally to the alleviation of armed conflicts. Implicit in this perspective is the idea that short-term prescriptive measures are not sufficient to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict situations.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Since the Republic of Korea introduced the issue of the protection of humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations during its Security Council presidency in 1997, my delegation has been following the Council's subsequent measures with great interest. Last year, we were pleased to see the Security Council's adoption of three resolutions pertaining to this issue, including resolutions 1314 (2000) and 1325 (2000), which included specific provisions for the protection of women and children. These measures clearly represent a growing recognition that widespread violations of the rights of civilians deserve the attention of the Security Council and that human security is intricately linked to international peace and security.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Let me begin by thanking you, Sir, for your leadership during the month of April and for revisiting this important issue. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Secretary- General for his insightful report, which highlights many issues of critical importance for the protection of civilians in conflict situations. I found the report to be very timely, as civilians are increasingly becoming the targets in armed conflicts. I am of the view that the Secretary-General's paper has laid out a clear and practical course of action and can therefore serve as an excellent basis for further discussion.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As stated in the conclusions of the Mechanism's report, "Peace in Angola will also have an important impact in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Sierra Leone". (para. 252) Angola is a country that has a tremendous potential for overcoming the ravages of the conflict with UNITA. It is time to work for genuine and comprehensive peace in Angola.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“What is most disturbing in the Mechanism's report are the common criminals described in it, namely Victor Bout, Fred Rindel and the European network connection - they are "common" because they appear to be the same individuals named in the Ayafor report for activities linked to the trade in illicit diamonds and arms in relation to Sierra Leone. If sanctions-busters continue to be "rewarded" and not punished for their acts, the damage will not be limited to the exploitation of the resources of Angola. It will undermine the credibility of the United Nations itself, because the sanctions imposed against UNITA are one ofthe tools ofthe Security Council for carrying out its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“However, a serious allegation was made in paragraph 181 of the Mechanism's report: that well known clients of De Beers are knowingly buying rough diamonds from UNITA. This and other questionable methods uncovered by the Mechanism require further investigation as to the validity ofthe findings. On the issue of sanctions-busting, the report mentions some familiar names. On the use of aircraft for sanctions-busting, Victor Bout has been identified as a key player, as has Air Cess. The countries named in the report as being the countries of origin for arms exports to UNITA, and those accused of complicity in permitting the forging of end-user certificates for arms imports, should address the issues raised in the report.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Although a number of Angola's neighbouring States and West African States have been identified as States involved, the circumvention has been attributed more to the use of front organizations and to the insufficiently updated list of persons subject to restrictions maintained by the sanctions Committee and by the Secretariat. Loopholes in the European Schengen Agreement's regime have also been identified. In the case of the diamonds sanctions, modes of circumvention similar to those being used in the Sierra Leone sanctions as described in the Ayafor report appear to have been used to conceal the true origin of diamonds from UNITA mines. These include the potential loopholes found in the Swiss tax-free zones.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Hence the importance of maintaining the sanctions against UNITA. We are here today to review the recommendations of the Mechanism on the effectiveness of the implementation of the many sanctions against UNITA and to consider appropriate action against the sanctions-busters. The Mechanism's report acknowledges that the sanctions have curtailed UNITA's ability to wage war. It also emphasizes the continued need for their imposition, identifies various instances of violations and makes recommendations for the strengthening ofthe sanctions regime. A significant part of the report focuses on the circumvention of restrictions on UNITA's official representation abroad and on travel by its officers.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“23) It was also noted in the report that "The people and companies involved in these kinds of activities are instrumental in facilitating war and armed conflict". (Ibid.) Clearly, the arms and diamonds industries have spawned a very profitable war economy, such that the diamonds industry, which was the resource for the arms, has in turn generated an arms industry to protect the diamonds. It is a stalemate that has a high price: violence for economic control. In the case of Angola, however, there is some good news: the inroads the Government has made into territory previously held by UNITA - for example Moxico province - together with the effect of the sanctions on the illicit diamond trade, which is the main source for UNITA's guerrilla activities, have brought about a diminishment of UNITA's war capacity.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Once again, the illicit trade in diamonds was shown to be the cornerstone of the edifice which fuels conflict, this time in Angola. The well structured network that has been set up for this illicit trade in diamonds could almost be admired for its precision and success, were it not for the fact that the creation of that network has been paid for in the blood of the peoples of Angola and of the other countries of the region. The war in Angola has now entered its fifth decade. In the Mechanism's report, it was noted that the network of structures used by the Uniao Nacional Para a Independencia Total de Angola (UNITA) "in their turn, profit from conflicts, the trade in illicit arms and diamonds, and, not least, the transport of such illicit merchandise". (S/2000/1225, annex, enclosure, para.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“However, Ambassador Heinbecker rose to the occasion admirably, and carried on the fine tradition set by Ambassador Robert Fowler in the report of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1237 (1999) on Angola document S/2000/203, which was the mother of all name-and-shame reports. The five members of the Mechanism, ably led by its Chairman, Ambassador Juan Larrain, also included Ambassador Lena Sundh, Ms. Christine Gordon, Mr. James Manzou and Mr. Ismaila Seek; they truly deserve our thanks for producing an excellent report. Like those of the recent report (S/2000/1195, annex, enclosure) of the Panel of Experts appointed pursuant to resolution 1306 (2000) on the situation in Sierra Leone, chaired by Mr. Martin Chungong Ayafor - the Ayafor report - the findings in the report of the Mechanism are sobering.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“Ijoin the other members of the Council in welcoming Foreign Minister Miranda of Angola to today's debate. I also take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Ryan for his excellent presentation on the final report of the Monitoring Mechanism established under resolution 1295 (2000) in relation to the sanctions against UNITA. We look forward to the written addendum to the final report from the Mechanism under its extended mandate, pursuant to resolution 1336 (2001). I would like also to thank the previous Chair of the resolution 864 (1993) sanctions Committee, Ambassador Paul Heinbecker of Canada, for his contribution towards the issuance of the report. His countryman, the Permanent Representative of Canada before him, was a hard act to follow.”
2001-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4283 (2001) · source
“My delegation also hopes that the Security Council will make it a general rule to hold open debates on operational issues that involve, financially and otherwise, many Member States that are non-members of the Council at earlier stages of its deliberations, and preferably before the decision-making stage rather than towards the end of the proceedings.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“In particular, we have full confidence in the commitment and capability of the Indonesian Government and people - particularly reaffirmed this morning by Ambassador Wibisono - to discharge effectively their primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in East Timor. My delegation would like to echo previous speakers in emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order throughout the process of popular consultation and beyond. I would like to conclude on a positive note about the long-term future of East Timor, given the determination that exists throughout the United Nations system, backed by the positive cooperation of all parties concerned and the widespread voluntary contributions of the international community.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“But the tasks lying ahead of us are still many and daunting. Close coordination will remain the key to accomplishing these tasks. In this regard, we commend the coordinating role played by the Personal Representative of the Secretary- General, Ambassador Marker, at the political level and by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Martin, in the field. My delegation would also like to reiterate its firm commitment to continue to work with the Secretariat and other interested delegations. We are encouraged to note the strong commitment by all parties concerned to maintaining an environment that is stable and free from fear, both in the run-up to the conduct of the popular consultation and beyond.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“Today's adoption of the draft resolution before the Council will mark another important step in making the transition to the second phase after the popular consultation on 30 August. Now it is incumbent upon all the parties directly concerned to ensure that the transition process will take place in an uninterrupted and efficient manner. Two and half months have passed since the creation of UNAMET. During this period, a significant amount of groundwork has been laid by the Secretariat, in close cooperation with members of the Council, Indonesian authorities and donor countries, so as to move the consultation process forward as smoothly as possible. In particular, the successful completion of the registration - including registering East Timorese who are overseas - is highly commendable.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“We believe that a smooth implementation of the UNAMET mandate is crucial for the future of East Timor as well as for the stability of the whole region. It will also serve as a good example to follow for other operations organized under the auspices of the United Nations. On the basis of these considerations, the Republic of Korea decided to make a financial contribution to the United Nations trust fund for East Timor, and the Republic of Korea has made its civilian police personnel available. We will try to continue to make the appropriate contributions within the bounds of our capacity. We appreciate the speedy planning and preparations for the popular consultation undertaken by the Secretariat thus far despite the tight schedule and under difficult circumstances.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“At the outset, Mr. President, I would like to commend your decision to allow interested non-members of the Council to express their views on the situation in Timor, one of the most important agenda items before the Security Council and one that requires urgent action. It is our firm belief that hearing the views of Member States in an open forum not only promotes the transparency of the work of the Council in general but also helps make the decision- making process of the Council on operations requiring Member States' involvement and contributions - the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) in particular - more democratic and legitimate. The Republic of Korea, as a peace-loving Asian country, has long attached great importance to the peaceful settlement of the East Timor question.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“More often than not, children do not understand why they have to be involved in conflicts and suffer from them. Given how much they trust and rely on adults as their protectors, we adults must not betray their trust, but provide them with an environment suitable for their safety and welfare. My delegation wishes to reaffirm the strong commitment of the Republic of Korea to continue to contribute to the international community's efforts to create a safer and better environment for children in conflict situations.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Finally, I would like to welcome the recent Secretary- General's bulletin regarding the observance by United Nations forces of international humanitarian law, which was issued and became effective on the recent occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. This bulletin, setting out fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law applicable to forces under United Nations command and control, stipulates special respect and protection for children by United Nations forces in operations. We hope that this bulletin will also serve as an example for all parties in conflict situations to follow. Since children are our hope for the future, all of us have a special obligation to support and protect them from the evil of conflict.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We hope that, sooner rather than later, the Working Group will put forward practical recommendations acceptable to the majority of United Nations Members. Thirdly, we believe that in order to prevent the use of child soldiers, the Security Council should be vigilant against the supply of small arms and light weapons in actual and potential conflict areas. Small arms are considered physically best matched to child soldiers, who can only carry light weapons. In this regard, we welcome the ongoing efforts of the Council to enhance the effective implementation of the arms embargoes already imposed. The need for appropriate monitoring and strict enforcement of arms embargoes cannot be overstated.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Secondly, my delegation believes that it is important to widen and strengthen the institutional safety net to prevent the practice of recruiting child soldiers, as the recruitment of child soldiers increases their chances of falling victim to armed conflicts. In this regard, my delegation welcomes the prevailing recognition by the international community of the need to raise the existing legal standards. We note that the United Nations has taken the lead by announcing its unilateral decision last year not to recruit peacekeepers below the age of 18 from Member States. In particular, the Working Group on the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been considering raising the minimum age for recruiting soldiers.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Having said that, allow me to make a few points that in our view warrant the urgent attention and action of the international community. First of all, my delegation believes that the issue of child soldiers constitutes the most challenging part of today's subject and should be addressed immediately. From the lessons learned during recent conflicts, it has become clear that the problem of child soldiers requires a comprehensive approach ranging from peacekeeping to post-conflict peace-building activities. It is indeed a daunting task to disarm child soldiers and to keep them from rearming. My delegation is of the View that the Security Council should take a more proactive role in ensuring that the long-term rehabilitation of child soldiers is dealt with from the early planning stages of peacekeeping operations.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation takes this opportunity to pay high tribute to Ambassador Otunnu and his office for their tireless efforts to advance the cause of the protection of children in armed conflict, and for what they have achieved so far. We also commend the work done by the United Nations Children's Fund, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other agencies in this field. We strongly urge the Security Council to continue to expand its involvement in this issue. My delegation will therefore welcome the adoption by the Council today of a draft resolution that endorses a number of recommendations contained in Mr. Otunnu's reports and his statement. We hope that this draft resolution will serve as a firm basis for further Council actions in the months to come.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“As we celebrate these instruments, we have to use this unique opportunity to rekindle our commitment to the protection and welfare of children in conflict situations. In this connection, we welcome last year's adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, which provides for jurisdiction over several child-specific crimes. Ambassador Otunnu, as always, today before the Council made another thoughtful, thought-provoking statement that covered wide-ranging issues of importance. As the New York Times reported on 8 August, there is growing recognition of Ambassador Otunnu' s activities by the international community.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Almost a decade after the end of the cold war, the rampaging ethnic conflicts within national boundaries still persist, inflicting a heavy toll, particularly on children, the most vulnerable component of our societies. Given the appalling statistics presented by Mr. Otunnu time and again, children remain exposed to unspeakable suffering and mistreatment in situations of armed conflict. These harsh realities, unfortunately, overshadow the significance of celebrating the anniversaries of the entry into force of the important international instruments for the protection of children in armed conflict: the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“At the outset, I would like to offer my delegation's deep appreciation to you, Sir, and Ambassador Andjaba for taking the initiative of organizing this open debate on the important issue of children and armed conflict. I am particularly honoured to participate in this debate under the presidency of Your Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Namibia. My delegation welcomes today's meeting as a timely effort to build on the previous Council debate, of June last year, on the same subject. I also note that this meeting is yet another step forward towards promoting transparency in the work of the Council. I am particularly grateful to my dear friend, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, for his informative and inspiring statement.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Today's open debate provides us with a valuable opportunity to increase common awareness of this important issue. We heard today a number of constructive suggestions made by both members and non-members of the Security Council. We hope that they will help the Council and the United Nations system as a whole to better address this important issue and to take further action as necessary.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Before concluding, my delegation notes with satisfaction two successful projects in this field conducted with the assistance of members of the group of interested States. A workshop held in Guatemala City last November is one case in point, where the experiences of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia in weapons collection and integration of former combatants were discussed. We hope that the lessons learned from the experiences of those countries will be fully shared with other countries affected by civil strife. Another case in point is the pilot weapons collection project in the Albanian district of Gramsh launched last January. The innovative idea of providing development assistance as a reward for the voluntary surrender of weapons and ammunition from the local population deserves further study.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We welcome the guidelines on conventional arms control/limitation and disarmament recently adopted by the Disarmament Commission. These guidelines, we hope, will be extensively applied as a framework for the effective implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities. My delegation steadfastly holds the view that a regional or subregional approach should be explored to stem the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. In this connection, we commend the efforts made respectively by the European Union, through the recent adoption of its joint action, and by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through the declaration of a moratorium on the importation, exportation and manufacture of light weapons in West Africa. We hope that similar initiatives can be taken in other regions as well.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In this connection, the international community should pay more attention to the disturbing situation, as witnessed in the Great Lakes region of Africa, where increasing banditry and criminality are being perpetrated by armed ex-combatants. Many former combatants, including child soldiers, whom the Secretary-General has called armies of the losers, are still roaming the area and often threaten the security and civilian character of refugee camps in the region. The Security Council should urgently address this particular problem, as such a situation poses a potential threat to regional peace and stability. Thirdly, my delegation notes with appreciation the significant achievements in this area made since 1997 by our colleagues in the group of interested States on practical disarmament measures.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Secondly, my delegation believes that appropriate incentives should be devised to encourage ex-combatants to disarm and demobilize voluntarily. The nature and type of the incentive system should vary depending upon different contexts of conflict situations. Priority should be given to helping disarmed ex-combatants to help themselves in the long term through vocational training and job creation. The international community should also provide affected communities with the necessary financial and technical assistance. With this in mind, my Government contributed $250,000 to programmes for the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants in Angola, when we recently served on the Security Council. We also support a more active involvement of international financial institutions in these activities.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation therefore considers that any final political settlement to a conflict should include an agreement on specific measures of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and that peacekeepers who carry out such measures should be equipped with the explicit mandate of the Security Council, supported by adequate resources. In this regard, we welcome Security Council resolutions 1208 (1998) and 1209 (1998) adopted last year on African refugee and arms flow problems. These resolutions reflect the importance the Security Council attaches to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration measures in its work. We hope that the Security Council will continue to pay great attention to this issue.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Let me highlight the following points to which my Government attaches particular importance. First of all, our recent experience shows that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration cannot succeed without genuine political cooperation among all the actors involved, including peacekeepers, international mediators and parties to the conflict. Disarmament efforts made by the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) in 1993 and by the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in 1996 respectively, are cases in point. In our view, opposite results in these two examples were mainly due to differing levels of political commitment on the part of warring parties.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Allow me to express our warm congratulations and appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having taken the initiative of organizing today's open debate on the important issues of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex- combatants in the context of peacekeeping. My delegation welcomes today's meeting as another step forward towards more transparency in the Council's proceedings and also as a timely effort to build on the previous debate of the Council on post-conflict peace-building, held last December. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are essential in breaking the cycle of violence and in building lasting peace in conflict areas. We believe that these three elements should be addressed in their entirety and as an integral part of a continuum of peacekeeping and post- conflict peace-building activities.”
1999-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4020Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In this connection, we welcome the decision to allow the participation of non-members today as yet more proof of the strong commitment of Council members under your leadership to enhancing the transparency of the workings of the Council. To conclude, I should like to reiterate the firm commitment of my Government to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in general, and to a nuclear-weapon-free Korean peninsula in particular, as it has manifested on a number of occasions.”
1998-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3890 (1998) · source
“Given the gravity of the risks and the uncertainty involved, we believe that the Security Council should remain actively seized of the matter and ready to consider further steps, as it sees fit, to ensure the prompt and full implementation of the present resolution. My delegation also recognizes the role of the Secretary-General in matters related to international peace and security and therefore welcomes his efforts to defuse tension in the region by encouraging dialogue and reconciliation, as he has done in many parts of the world. In this regard, we are looking forward to his report to the Council, as requested in the resolution. For our part, I assure you, Mr. President, that my Government will continue to do its best to work with Council members towards the cause of a nuclear-weapon- free world.”
1998-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3890 (1998) · source
“We are deeply concerned that the threat posed by the nuclear tests in South Asia could spread to other regions through the transfer of technology for nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles to and from the third countries. We attach particular importance to this danger, as it clearly poses the risk of a domino effect under the pressure of nuclear proliferation. The Republic of Korea firmly believes that the spread of nuclear-weapon technology should be prevented at all costs with concerted action by the international community, as a prerequisite to make the world a safer place in which to live.”
1998-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3890 (1998) · source